Daniel Thomas Dixon, 28 (pictured), has been jailed for 16 months after being caught on his way to ransack flood-hit homes in Carlisle, Cumbria

A serial burglar who was caught red-handed on his way to ransack flood-hit homes in Cumbria has been jailed for 16 months.

Daniel Thomas Dixon, 28, was stopped by police as he headed for properties which had been evacuated during last month's devastating floods in Carlisle.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Dixon was found with a 14inch metal bar, gloves and a torch, as well as a pair of socks, when he was stopped in the darkness.

Just hours earlier, the Environment Agency had urged residents and businesses to flee from their homes as a deluge of torrential rain flooded the area.

Storm Desmond hit last month, unleashing havoc across Britain, with Cumbria among the worst-hit areas.

Dixon has now been jailed for 16 months after pleading guilty to going equipped for burglary.

Handing down the sentence, Judge Peter Davies said: 'There can be only one sentence for this dreadful offence that you wanted to inflict upon a community that was ravaged by Storm Desmond and the floods.'

The court was told how Dixon had been jailed in 2011 for two-and-a-half years after cutting his hand during a raid on a bungalow.

On that occasion, Dixon, who was traced through his DNA, had pleaded guilty to burglary and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He initially claimed he had been in the house for first aid after cutting his hand while helping the homeowner mend a car.

At the time, prosecutor Dick Binstead said the only thing that was taken was a small opal gemstone which had huge sentimental value.

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The court was told how Dixon had taken 30 Valium tablets before that burglary, meaning he had little recollection of the incident.

When he was arrested, he told police: 'That's drugs for you. They make you do stupid things.'

Meanwhile, Cumbrian residents have been calling on police to stop looters who are targeting flood-stricken homes.

Some thieves are now even stealing dehumidifiers - which are being used to dry out flooded homes - to sell on the black market for £500.

Carlisle Cricket Club has been targeted three times while, in one street, four homes were hit.

Meanwhile, Cumbrian residents have been calling on police to stop looters who are targeting flood-stricken homes. The area was one of the worst-hit during Storm Desmond, which hit the UK last month (pictured)

RNLI Lifeboatman Paul Filby from Criccieth Lifeboat, North Wales (left) pictured checking upon residents in Carlisle, Cumbria after severe flooding across the county

Officers are also investigating a string of burglaries carried out on properties on another residential street close to Carlisle city centre.

Hairdresser Barry Ferguson, 70, whose evacuated home was one of those targeted, said he was 'disgusted' at the looters' behaviour. He and his wife Mary had to flee his home just days before Christmas.

He said: 'The floods were bad enough, now people are targeting the houses. It's the lowest of the low. They are just scumbags - plain and simple scumbags.'

He added: 'They are kicking a man when he's down. They've no morals, no scruples. All they are thinking about is vandalism and damage and looting.'

Neighbour William Davidson, who also left in the wake of the floods, added: 'They are just scum. It's just another worry. We don't need it.'

Cumbria Police Superintendent Mark Pannone said: 'There have been a number of burglaries where flood-hit properties have been targeted.

'Make sure your property is left secure and take any valuables with you if this is possible.

'Residents also need to be wary of rogue traders who may travel from outside of the county to offer insurance assessments or building works.'

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Daniel Thomas Dixon caught on his way to burgle flood-hit Cumbrian homes is jailed